Flying platform with visually transparent flexible support members

ABSTRACT

A suspended flying system having a load suspended by a plurality of flexible support members. The plurality of flexible support members are attached to a first rotational element attached to the load and a second rotational element attached to a support. The system also includes a motor operably connected to the first rotational element providing sufficient motion to the plurality of flexible support members to render the flexible support members visually transparent, the load being movable within a space. A method for suspending a load from visually transparent flexible support members is also disclosed.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to suspended systems forentertainment or other theatrical events having wire supports andprocesses involving suspended system. More specifically, the presentinvention relates to platforms or other structures suspended by flexiblesupport members that are rendered visually transparent to an audience.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

In certain performance or theatrical presentations, it is desirable tohang people, scenery, platforms or other structures to provide anillusion of flying or hovering in space. These visual effects areprovided by suspending the people, scenery, platforms or otherstructures from wires attached to a support above the suspended load.However, these systems are constrained in their movement and often havevisual appearances that are undesirable or otherwise unconvincing to theaudience.

For example, when a platform is suspended from cables, the cables areoften visible to the audience. Suspended systems, such as platforms, areoften suspended by four wires that are painted or otherwise coloredmatte black to reduce the visibility. However, such wire systems can beseen at certain angles and when lighting or visual effects are utilized.

Alternatively, controlled motion of a system can be desirable. Althoughmovement of a platform can compromise safety, such movement can beincorporated into a theatrical presentation, a repetitive process suchas repositioning of items or loads, or other suitable controlledmotions.

What is needed is a system and process capable of suspending and movinga load, platform or other structures wherein the flexible supportmembers are not visible to an audience.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One embodiment includes a suspended flying system having a loadsuspended by a plurality of flexible support members. The plurality offlexible support members are attached to a first rotational elementattached to the load and a second rotational element attached to asupport. A motor is operably connected to the first rotational elementto provide sufficient motion to the plurality of flexible supportmembers to render the flexible support members visually transparent. Theload is movable within a space.

Another embodiment includes a method for suspending a load from visuallytransparent flexible support members. The method further includessuspending a load from a plurality of flexible support members, theplurality of flexible members being attached to a first rotationalelement attached to the load and a second element attached to a support.The method further includes moving the plurality of flexible supportmembers at a sufficient speed and over a sufficient distance to renderthe flexible support members visually transparent. The method furtherincludes moving the load within a space.

A further embodiment includes a suspended flying system having a loadsuspended by a plurality of flexible support members. The plurality offlexible support members is attached to a first rotational elementattached to the load and a second rotational element attached to asupport. a motor is operably connected to the first rotational elementto provide sufficient motion to the plurality of flexible supportmembers to render the flexible support members visually transparent. Theload is movable by the system within a space with pitch, yaw and roll.

Further aspects of the method and system are disclosed herein. Thefeatures as discussed above, as well as other features and advantages ofthe present disclosure will be appreciated and understood by thoseskilled in the art from the following detailed description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an perspective view of a suspended flying system accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a portion of a suspended flyingsystem according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of a load of a suspended flying system accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of a portion of a suspended flying systemaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of a portion of a suspended flying systemaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an second rotational element of asuspended flying system according to an exemplary embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a first rotational element of asuspended flying system according to an exemplary embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIGS. 8-10 shows a schematic view of a suspended flying system accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure rotating to rendersuspended columns visually transparent.

FIGS. 11-12 shows a schematic view of a suspended flying systemaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure rotating torender suspended columns visually transparent and lifting the load.

FIG. 13 shows a schematic view of an second rotational element of asuspended flying system according to an exemplary embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIG. 14 shows a schematic view of an second rotational element of asuspended flying system according to another exemplary embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of an second rotational element of asuspended flying system according to another exemplary embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIG. 16 shows a top view of the second rotational element of thesuspended flying system shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 shows a top view of an second rotational element of a suspendedflying system according to another exemplary embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIG. 18 shows a schematic view of an second rotational element of asuspended flying system according to another exemplary embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIG. 19 shows a top view of an second rotational element of a suspendedflying system according to another exemplary embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIG. 20 shows a top view of an second rotational element of a suspendedflying system according to another exemplary embodiment of thedisclosure.

Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughoutthe drawings to represent the same parts.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Provided is a system and process of suspending a load, such as aplatform, scenery, performer or other structure with flexible supportmembers wherein the flexible support members suspending the load are notvisible to the audience, the load being movable in multiple directionswithin a space.

FIG. 1 shows a suspended flying system 100 according to the presentdisclosure. The suspended flying system 100 includes four suspensioncolumns 101 that are capable of rendered visually transparent uponsufficient motion of the flexible support members 103. The suspensioncolumn 101 is made up of a grouping of flexible support members 103 thatare rotatable about an axis. As utilized herein, “visually transparent”is a state where the flexible support members 103, when in motion, arenot visible or not easily perceptible to an observer as viewed from aposition of an audience, camera or other position from which aperformance may be viewed. While it is desirable to have the flexiblesupport members 103 be fully visually transparent, partially transparentor translucent moving flexible support members 103 that are not easilyobserved by the viewer are “visually transparent”.

While the system 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes four suspension columns101, any number of columns may be used to provide a flying effect for aload 102. In FIG. 1, the load 102 is a platform, but is not so limitedand may include a person, scenery, equipment or any other structure forwhich suspended flying is desired. The suspension columns 101 include aplurality of flexible support members 103 that are movable. While FIG. 1shows nine flexible support members 103 per suspension column 101, anynumber of flexible support members may be used. A greater number offlexible support members 103 allow greater capacity for weight andreduced required diameter for the flexible support members 103. Reducingdiameter flexible support members 103 permit reduced motion to make theflexible support members 103. Larger diameter flexible support members103 require greater motion to render them visually transparent. Flexiblesupport members 103 may be fabricated from any suitable material forsupporting the load 102. Suitable materials include carbon steel wire(e.g., piano wire), Aramid fibers, Vectran fibers, carbon fibers, UHMWPEfibers (Dyneema or Spectra) or any other flexible material suitable forsuspending load 102. In addition, flexible support members 103 may becoated or painted to further reduce visibility. For example, theflexible support members 103 may be painted matte black or coated withgun blue. In one embodiment, the system 100 includes nine flexiblesupport members 103 per suspension column 101 formed of 1/32 inchVectran fiber dyed flat black, which have tighter bend radius whilesimilar strength to piano wire.

As shown in FIG. 1, flexible support members 103 are attached to secondrotational element 105 and first rotational element 109. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 1, the suspension columns 101 are renderedvisually transparent by motion of the flexible support members 103 in arotational direction. The motion of the flexible support members 103 isprovided by the second rotational element 105 and first rotationalelement 109. While both an second rotational element 105 and a firstrotational element 109 are shown, the motion of the flexible supportmembers 103 may be provided by other arrangements of rotationalelements, including a single rotational element. The second rotationalelement 105 is driven by motor 107. The second rotational element 105and the motors 107 are supported on a support platform 108. Motor 107provides rotary motion to the second rotational element 105, whichresults in corresponding rotational motion of the first rotationalelement 109. In other embodiments, the second rotational elementprovides vibratory motion or oscillatory motion. In the embodiment shownin FIG. 1, the first rotational element 109 is free-wheeling onbearings, but in other embodiments may be driven by a motor or similardevice.

While not so limited, in one embodiment, the suspension column 101 isrotated at a speed of 350 to 1200 rpm. At lower speeds the suspensioncolumn 101 becomes more visible and at higher speeds the suspensioncolumn 101 begins to generate noise. A particularly suitable rotationspeed for rendering the flexible support member visually transparentincludes a rotational speed of about 1000 rpm.

Further motion of the system 100 is provided by the trolley 111, whichis driven by a motor or a winch along support truss 113. In otherembodiments the trolley 111 and/or truss 113 may also be moved or drivento provide additional directional movements for the system 100. In oneembodiment a crane-like structure with a swing arm provides structuralsupport to the truss 113 and the trolley 111 and allows greater freedomof movement of the system 100. The trolley 111 may also includes devicesfor drawing up and/or deploying the flexible support members 103 toprovide the desired motion and/or visual effect. While FIG. 1 shows thesystem 100 with truss 113 and trolley 111, the bracket may also attachto an alternate moving support system, such as a lift or crane toprovide desired motion of visual effect. The trolley 111 and theassociated structure facilitate motion of the support platform 108 andthe load 102 within a space. For example, the load 102 may be movedwithin a space, such as a theater space with motion including forwardand backward linear motion with pitch, yaw and roll of the load 102.

FIG. 2 shows a portion of system 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the supportplatform 108 is attachable to trolley 111 (shown in FIG. 1) by bracket201. The support platform 108 is not limited to the structure shown andmay include any suitable arrangement of support structures for motor 107and suspension column 101. To facilitate movement of the load 102 withina space, the support platform 108 may be moved, pivoted, rotated orotherwise moved to provide corresponding motion of the load 102.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of load 102 with the placement of firstrotational elements 109. As shown in FIG. 3, the first rotationalelements 109 may be placed at the corners of the load 102. However, theplacement of the first rotational elements 109 is not so limited and mayinclude placement along the edges or in locations in the centerproviding support. Likewise, the number of first rotational elements 109is not limited to four and may include any number that is capable ofproviding suspended support to load 102. In one embodiment, as shown inFIG. 3, first rotational elements 109 are gimbal structures that arepivotable and freely rotatable. In another embodiment, the firstrotational element 109 is driven by a motor or similar structure toprovide rotation to flexible support members 103 and suspension column101. In one embodiment, the first rotational element 109 includes asensor or encoder to measure rotation. The rotation may be measured andcompared to the rotation of the second rotational element 105 for safetyand performance. In these embodiments, an emergency stop or otheroperational mode may be activated upon a deviation from the rotation atthe second rotational element 105 and the first rotational element 109.In one embodiment, first rotational element 109 includes an absoluteencoder that is battery powered and wirelessly controlled. Firstrotational elements 109 are pivotable such that the angle of the wiresand suspension column 101 may extend at various angles from the load102, particularly when the load is directed upwards or downwards (e.g.,for pitching, yawing, or rolling) for particular visual effects.Flexible support members 103 attach to portions of the first rotationalelement 109 such that the flexible support members 103 form suspensioncolumn 101 and corresponds to the second rotational element 105. In oneembodiment, the system 100 includes four second rotational elements 105,one at each corner of load 102 that can be controlled individually forstraight lift, pitch, roll, and/or, yaw as needed.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of the system 100 wherein the suspensioncolumns 101 are shown and rotation is shown. As shown in FIG. 4, thesecond rotational element 105 are operable connected to a motor 107mounted on the support platform 108. While not so limited, the secondrotational elements 105 include a gimbal structure similar to thestructure of first rotational element 109. The gimbal structure isdriven by motor 107 and is pivotable to allow alteration of the angle ofthe suspension column 101 to the support platform 108. Motion alongtruss 113 includes a linear motion along the truss 113. While the motionis shown as a linear motion, other motion, including rotational orpivotable motion may be provided by a crane or pivotable supportextending on trolley 111. Trolley 111 is driven by a motor mounted onthe trolley 111 or by wires driven by winches or other suitable devicecapable of providing motion to trolley 111.

FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of the second rotational element 105attached to the motor 107. In the embodiment shown, the secondrotational element 105 extends through the support platform 108 andengages the motor 107. FIGS. 5 and 6 show the gimbal structure of thesecond rotational element 105 is visible showing the arms and theattachment of the flexible support members 103 to the second rotationalelement 105. FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the second rotationalelement 105 of the suspension column 101 removed from the supportplatform 108. The gimbal structure includes bearings and pivotstructures that allow rotation and pivot of the arms attaching to theflexible support members 203. As shown, each grouping of flexiblesupport members 103 on second rotational element 105 are capable ofpivoting. The structure of second rotational element 105 corresponds tofirst rotational element 109, as show in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 shows aperspective view of the first rotational element 109 of the disappearingsuspension column 101 where the first rotational element 109 attaches toload 102. The first rotational element 109 is attached to the load 102in any suitable manner. For example, the first rotational element 109may be bolted, fastened, adhered, welded or otherwise attached to theload 102. Like the second rotational element 105, the flexible supportmembers 103 are attached to arms of the gimbal structure of the firstrotational element 109 and are individually pivotable. As shown in FIG.7, the first rotational element 109 rotates and follows the secondrotational element 105. As described above, the rotation of the firstrotational element 109 may be measured and compared to the secondrotational element 105 to prevent twisting, bending or undesiredrotational movement of the suspension columns 101. For example, therotation may be measured so that any incorporation of any foreign objector collision can be detected and the system may be brought to a safeoperational mode. In this embodiment, hard foreign objects can rub onthe outside of the spinning flexible support members 103 without damageand cannot penetrate the disappearing suspension column 101. If a softforeign object (fabric, string, or similar object) winds up in the firstrotational element 109, the encoder will instantly go out of thetolerance window and the brakes will be applied to the motor 107.

FIGS. 8-10 illustrate a method of rendering the flexible support members103 visually transparent. As shown and described herein, flexiblesupport members 103 are rendered visually transparent by movement of theflexible support members 103. While rotational motion is shown, othertypes of movement, such as oscillatory, vibratory or other movement arealso suitable for rendering the flexible support members 103 visuallytransparent. The flexible support members 103 are rendered invisible orpartially invisible to a viewer viewing the apparatus as a spectator oraudience member by movement of the flexible support members 103. Inanother embodiment, the flexible support members 103 are visuallytransparent to one standing within a few feet of the apparatus. Inaddition to being visually transparent, the disappearing suspensioncolumn 101 preferably makes little or no noise perceptible to oneviewing the apparatus. In FIG. 8, the system 100 is shown in a staticposition prior to rotation. In FIG. 9, the disappearing suspensioncolumns 101 are rotated and the visibility of the flexible supportmembers 103 begins to reduce. In FIG. 10, the disappearing suspensioncolumns 101 are at a desired rotational speed and the flexible supportmembers 103 are visually transparent.

FIGS. 11-12 illustrate another embodiment where the length of flexiblesupport members 103 between the second rotational element 105 and thefirst rotational element 109 is varied to provide an elevational motion.FIG. 11 shows the system 100 in a static position. FIG. 12 shows therotational movement of the disappearing suspension columns 101 and thelifting or upward motion of the load 102.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show embodiments of second rotational element 105allowing for the drawing in of flexible support members 103. FIG. 13shows a series of drums 1301 onto which flexible support members 103 aredrawn. The drums 1301 are driven by winch motor 103. The entire assembly1305 is rotated by motor 107. FIG. 14 shows an arrangement of sheaves1401 wherein the flexible support members 103 are looped through thesheaves 1401 and returned to the first rotational element 109 (not shownin FIG. 14). An adjustment ring 1403 provides movement of sheaves 1401with respect to each other drawing the flexible support members 103 intoand/or toward the second rotational element 105, allowing for lifting orupward motion of the load 102. While not shown, balancing weights,functional equipment, such as brakes, balancing weights and clutches mayalso be provided. In one embodiment, both motors and slew bearing aremounted to a compact pod on each corner of an “H” shape marionette frameunder a separate ring gear rotate on the end of the arm, which alsotracks, rotates, and lifts.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show an embodiment to lift/pitch/yaw the load 102 to flyupstage-downstage on an arm instead of just in a cross stage slot. Theflexible support members 103 reel in and out from a winch above, whilestill spinning at high speed. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 and16, the second rotational element 105 includes a rotating drum thatrotates the sheaves 1401 and provides the motion to the flexible supportmembers 103. In one embodiment, the top of flexible support members passover small 2 inch sheaves to wrap around a central, vertical, ninegroove, 5 inch diameter capstan drum. In this embodiment, the drum is onthe output of a 2 hp AC servo motor with integral brake and absoluteencoder, no gearbox. The sheaves are mounted at varied heights to alignwith the drum grooves in a cylindrical frame around the drum. In anotherembodiment, the cylinder is mounted to a toothed slew bearing beltdriven by a second 2 hp AC servo motor with integral brake and absoluteencoder.

FIGS. 17 and 18 show alternate arrangements of the second rotationalelement 105. As shown the flexible support members 103 are attached tothe second rotational element 105 by fasteners or any other suitabledevice or method. In FIG. 17, the rotational and motion of the flexiblesupport members 103 is provided by an second rotational element 105 in ageared arrangement. For example, the geared arrangement can provideplanetary motion or similar motion to the flexible support members 103.The dual rotational motion provides greater variation of the motion tofurther prevent visibility of the flexible support members 103. In FIG.18, the rotation and motion of the flexible support members 103 isprovided by the rotation of an second rotational element 105 in a platearrangement. In one embodiment, the system 100 is operated such as toraise the load 102 up to 20 feet at 2 feet per second (fps), the motorspeeds up to 1100 rpm, while the sheave cylinder and first rotationalelement 109 continue at 1000 rpm. To lower the load up to 20 feet at 2fps max speed, the drum motor slows to 900 rpm, while the sheavecylinder and lower gimbal structure (i.e., first rotational element 109)continue at 1000 rpm. This way, only the lightweight drum and cylinderare the only spinning items with low inertia. The motors and feedbackare fixed, so there is no commutation.

FIGS. 19 and 20 show alternate arrangements of placement of flexiblesupport members 103. In FIG. 19, the flexible support members 103 arealigned in rotation for a small number of common rotational paths 1901.In FIG. 20, the flexible support members 103 are misaligned to provide alarge number of rotational paths 1901. FIGS. 19 and 20 show justillustrations of possible arrangements of flexible support members 103,which can be provided in a greater or less alignment than shown. Thegreater misalignment of the rotational paths results in less visibilityof the flexible support members 103 as they are rotated. The misalignedrotational motion provides greater variation of the motion to furtherprevent visibility of the flexible support members 103.

While the disclosure has been described with reference to a preferredembodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situationor material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing fromthe essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that thedisclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as thebest mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but that thedisclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for suspending a load from visuallytransparent flexible support members comprising: suspending a load froma plurality of flexible support members, the plurality of flexiblemembers being attached to a first rotational element attached to theload and a second element attached to a support; moving the plurality offlexible support members at a sufficient speed and over a sufficientdistance to render the flexible support members visually transparent;and moving the load within a space with pitch, yaw and roll.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the plurality of flexible support members arearranged into at least one suspension column.
 3. The method of claim 1,wherein the plurality of flexible support members are selected from thegroup consisting of carbon steel wire, Aramid fibers, Vectran fibers,carbon fibers, UHMWPE fibers and combinations thereof.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the moving includes rotating the flexible supportmembers.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the moving includes vibratingthe flexible support members.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein themoving includes moving the flexible support members in an oscillatorymotion.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising measuring rotationat the first rotational element.
 8. The method of claim 7, furthercomparing the rotation at the second rotational element to the rotationat the first rotational element and altering the motion in responsethereto.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the altering the motionincludes stopping the motion of the flexible support members.
 10. Asuspended flying system comprising: a load suspended by a plurality offlexible support members, the plurality of flexible support membersbeing attached to a first rotational element attached to the load and asecond rotational element attached to a support; and a motor operablyconnected to the first rotational element to provide sufficient motionto the plurality of flexible support members to render the flexiblesupport members visually transparent; wherein the load is movable by thesystem within a space with pitch, yaw and roll.
 11. The system of claim10, wherein the plurality of flexible support members are arranged intoat least one suspension column.
 12. The system of claim 10, wherein theplurality of flexible support members are selected from the groupconsisting of carbon steel wire, Aramid fibers, Vectran fibers, carbonfibers, UHMWPE fibers and combinations thereof.
 13. The system of claim10, wherein the first and second rotational elements provide rotationalmotion to the flexible support members.
 14. The system of claim 10,wherein the first and second rotational elements provide vibratorymotion to the flexible support members.
 15. The system of claim 10,wherein the first and second rotational elements provide oscillatorymotion to the flexible support members.
 16. The system of claim 10,further comprising a sensor arranged and disposed to measure rotation atthe first rotational element.
 17. A process for displaying an objectwithin a space, the process comprising: with regard to an object beingviewable by an observer at a fixed location and having a first elongatemember and second elongate member secured thereto, the object exerting atension force on each of the first elongate member and the secondelongate member and each of the first elongate member and the secondelongate member having a longitudinal extent extending generallyparallel to a reference axis associated with the respective elongatemember, a proximate end secured to the object in a manner that permitsthe respective elongate member to move relative to the object as theelongate member moves around the reference axis, and a distal endmovably secured to an advancing device operable to advance the elongatemember around its reference axis, displacing the object from an initiallocation to a subsequent location within the space such that theobserver observes the object along an initial line of sight in a mannerand thereafter along a subsequent line of sight, the displacementmovement of the object occurring such that, following the displacementof the object from the initial location to the subsequent location, theobserver subsequently observes the object along the subsequent line ofsight and this subsequent line of sight is angularly offset from theinitial line of sight, with the object undergoing a change oforientation relative to the observer in that the respective portion ofthe surface of the object visible to the observer along the subsequentline of sight is different than the respective portion of the surface ofthe object visible to the observer along the initial line of sight;while the observer is observing the object along the initial line ofsight, repetitively advancing each of the first elongate member and thesecond elongate member around its reference axis through full loops ofadvancing movement in a manner in which, during each full loop ofadvancing movement, the first elongate member, at one instance, at leastpartially overlaps the second elongate member as viewed along theinitial line of sight of the observer and, at another instance, does notoverlap the second elongate member, wherein the first elongate memberand the second elongate member are continuously rendered visuallytransparent to the observer as a result of the advancing movement of thefirst elongate member and the second elongate member; displacing theobject from the initial location to the subsequent location within thespace; and while the observer is observing the object along thesubsequent line of sight, repetitively advancing each of the firstelongate member and the second elongate member around its reference axisthrough full loops of advancing movement in a manner in which, duringeach full loop of advancing movement, the first elongate member, at oneinstance, at least partially overlaps the second elongate member asviewed along the subsequent line of sight of the observer and, atanother instance, does not overlap the second elongate member, whereinthe first elongate member and the second elongate member arecontinuously rendered visually transparent to the observer as a resultof the advancing movement of the first elongate member and the secondelongate member, whereupon the object has a different orientationrelative to the observer as viewed along the initial line of sight thanits orientation as viewed along the subsequent line of sight and thecyclic overlapping and non-overlapping dispositions of the firstelongate member and the second elongate member continuously occur ateach disposition of the object along the initial line of sight and alongthe subsequent line of sight.